QR Codes are everywhere, but exactly what are they and how do they work? What does the QR actually stand for?
What are QR codes?
QR means quick response and QR codes are exactly that. They provide quick access to information without having to know or memorise or type lengthy web addresses. As long as you have a smartphone or mobile device and a free QR Reader app installed. You may have seen QR codes on real estate ads. QR codes are used for all kinds of sales and marketing, on posters, billboards, signs, in newspapers and magazines, on clothing, for transport systems and at places such as museums, zoos, parks and gardens. In business, QR codes are becoming a popular way of sharing your professional details, rather than the old way of swapping business cards. It's easy to update your details any time for no cost, so your details are always current and no paper is used or wasted. It's all for FREE!!! In education and training the potential for using QR codes is unlimited. Examples could be for:
OHS signage and campus orientation and information
to access more detailed information on topics (eg in the student Factpack)
links to policies and procedures for both staff and student reference
workshop and lab signage, information and instructions for equipment and machinery use
a way to label and identify equipment and resources for an assets register
a link to your class timetable, apprentice blocks and assessment due dates (easy to update anytime) and to your contact details (if you want to be contacted! ;)
in presentations, student handouts and learning materials QR codes can provide instant access to relevant websites and resources for further and more in-depth information
no need to provide a lengthy reference or reading list, provide your learners with a convenient QR code to take them to the information
for instant feeback on a topic, you could have a YES and NO QR code and ask students to scan the one they agree with (if you use a code or site that registers hits)
codes can be used for students to access answers, solutions or feedback, or examplars of what you want them to do
students could also create their own QR code for access to their e-portfolio or resume.
How do they work?
Use a free online QR code generator such as QR code generatorhttps://www.the-qrcode-generator.com/ (it is also a Google Chrome app) to create a code that links to either a website (including for audio and videos, such as YouTube) or to pages of information. You can choose a traditional looking code, or a customised image (such as my Durack logo code). Codes can hold around 5,000 characters of data. They are omni-directional (360 degrees) for easy scanning.
How to make a business card:
Download a free QR code reader such as QR Reader from the Apple App store, or Qr Barcode Scanner from the Google Play Store.
Open the QR code reader app
Select the create / creator option
Add the details you want to appear on your business card
Check the preview and if you are happy you can share it via email or social media and you can also save it as an image for others to scan with their smart device and automatically get your contact details. They can then also choose to save your details to their own contacts.
QR codes
QR Codes are everywhere, but exactly what are they and how do they work? What does the QR actually stand for?
What are QR codes?
You may have seen QR codes on real estate ads. QR codes are used for all kinds of sales and marketing, on posters, billboards, signs, in newspapers and magazines, on clothing, for transport systems and at places such as museums, zoos, parks and gardens.
In business, QR codes are becoming a popular way of sharing your professional details, rather than the old way of swapping business cards. It's easy to update your details any time for no cost, so your details are always current and no paper is used or wasted. It's all for FREE!!!
In education and training the potential for using QR codes is unlimited. Examples could be for:
How do they work?
Use a free online QR code generator such as QR code generator https://www.the-qrcode-generator.com/ (it is also a Google Chrome app) to create a code that links to either a website (including for audio and videos, such as YouTube) or to pages of information.You can choose a traditional looking code, or a customised image (such as my Durack logo code).
Codes can hold around 5,000 characters of data. They are omni-directional (360 degrees) for easy scanning.
How to make a business card:
Some websites for more information and ideas:
Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_codeNZS.com http://www.nzs.com/website-resources/tips-and-tools/qr-codes/
good.is http://m.good.is/posts/four-ways-qr-codes-could-revolutionize-education
edutopia.com http://www.edutopia.org/blog/QR-codes-teaching-andrew-miller
Noel-Levitz.com http://blog.noellevitz.com/2010/11/24/7-ways-higher-education-qr-codes-connect-current-prospective-students/
WizIQ blog http://blog.wiziq.com/5-uses-of-qr-codes-in-the-classroom/
Check out the Wikipedia page to find out more about QR codes http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code
Check out this 21 ideas for using QR codes for training presentation: